Dane and his wife gunned down in the Philippines

ASpecial Investigation Task Group (SITG) has been established to investigate the murder of a 45-year-old Danish man, Tim Moerch and his Filipino wife, Karen Kate Cadiente, who were killed in Valencia, Negros Orienta, the Philippines on 8 February 2023.

According to Col. Reynaldo, police provincial director, the special team will be composed of officers from the Police Regional Office 7 and the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) as well as coordinating with the Embassy of Denmark in the country, reported Manilla Bulletin.

Tim Moerch and Karen Kate

Cadiente were shot while riding a motorcycle near Barangay Balugo on Wednesday evening, shortly after both were released from being questioned in the case of the murder of Don Paulo Teves, the younger brother of Mayor Edgar Teves Jr. of Valencia and the son of the town’s former Mayor Edgar Teves Sr. The couple were, along with a third, suspected of having played undetermined roles in connection with the murder.

In a local media interview, Major Roger Quijano, Valencia town police chief, said the couple was linked to the killing as they were reportedly last seen with the victim before the incident happened, based on the statement of a witness.

The following day, another person was also arrested as he had visited the couple at their house in Valencia town on the day of the incident.

A 5.56mm caliber firearm buried in soil was also recovered.

In the interview, Quijano said that a case for murder is being prepared against the three suspects, who were under police custody. On February 8, the Dane and his wife were released only to be gunned down on the way home.

Even though the boys were just strolling through the city, enjoying the sights, it was still hard for me to follow their pace.

Credits: Curious Pedals